Fitness is a Journey, Not a Destination

01.07.15posted by Stran

Fitness is so important that I converted our 3-car garage into a gym at our house. It is probably the most used room on our place… from 5 AM for Jen to late at night for our guests and me. Our kids use it and play in it, hopefully learning to make fitness part of their lives as well. I am hoping to teach my kids this lifestyle by showing them how to live, not telling them how to live.

For me, it is very important at 44 to do everything possible within my power to do my very best with my fitness. I cannot practice like I did when I was 24 years old. But my body is, in some ways, better than I was at 23. I know that when I get to a rodeo, I have done everything within my power, physically and mentally to be the very best I can.

I don’t have a set amount of time for my workouts. I may workout 30 minutes. I may workout for 3 hours. I believe you can get in a rut (under the guise of a routine.) The main goal is what ever you do regularly will determine what you have eventually. There is no such thing as “15 Minute Abs.” You have to spend time… consistently.

I try to incorporate Balance and Core into every exercise that I do to get the most out of every exercise to keep me on my game for calf roping. I prioritize creating “quick twitch” muscle strength and ligament/tendon strength, instead of just building muscle mass. I have a saying… “Built for dough, not for show.” My routine is very unorthodox. I can’t run 50 calves in the arena anymore. So I try to emulate some moves that I make in the practice pen in a more controlled environment… my gym. I am very detailed and strategic, depending on the goal that day, incorporating legs and core in most exercises, but hitting every body part in that week. It’s just like when I go to the practice pen. I have a specific goal in mind that I want to accomplish for that day.

As for diet goes I am very strict. I have 3 absolute “NO’s.” No white Carbs. No fried foods. No Sugar. I try to take in as much protein as possible, only taking in “slow release” carbs that are harder for your body to breakdown into sugar. Nutrition is the essential part of life. You know that you are going to have to eat everyday, so be prepared to make healthy choices. Plan ahead and have healthy choices available.

I want to encourage everyone young or old that “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Make it your Lifestyle. It is a Journey, not a destination. I want to use this blog to share my favorite workouts and nutrition tips that have helped me throughout my career and every day life. So stay tuned!